Coaches and Instructors

The BladeFit Academy coaching team teaches every youth and adult program.

Coaching team

  • Nathan McBride — Head Instructor, Order of the Red Sash
  • Lisa McBride — Program Director
  • Eric Kuhta — Longsword Instructor
  • Zane McBride — Juniors Instructor, Knights Master, Order of the Red Sash
  • Michael Winderman — Workshop Instructor, Maitre en Fait d'Armes
  • Draco Hinman — Military Saber Instructor, Smallsword Instructor

Nathan McBride

Nathan McBride brings a modern athletics approach to sword training, with over 16 years of daily sword practice and experience with training adults and kids of all ages. He is passionate about fostering a Medieval Sword Club for the modern era.

Originally Coach Nate was certified in programming for the International Federation of Modern Sword Fighting (IFMSF). In addition he has been dedicated to the study of putting together modern coaching pedagogy towards the original HEMA sources (Historic European Martial Arts). Nathan is well positioned to provide the glorious learning experience for those of all ages wishing to learn the panache and power of swordsmanship.

BladeFit Academy is unique in that the club is evenly split between adults and youth, serving each's need as befitting their place in the journey of life.

Today's kids especially need broader sporting outlets that foster healthy lifestyles in both mind and body. Nate wants to help kids everywhere get active in a challenging sport, provide a positive peer group with a common interest, balance the digital world with an achievement-based physical one, and reinforce classic western virtues of sportsmanship, honor, and fair play.

Lisa McBride

With 5 years of sword experience and over 15 years of business management experience, Lisa brings a unique set of skills to our team. Lisa has had several decades of experience motivating kids in numerous volunteer capacities, helping them to improve towards end goals. When she's not playing mom and coaching she can be found swinging a sword, working out, hiking, studying fitness, diet, and alternative healing methods.

Eric Kuhta

Eric's passion for HEMA started in college when he saw an exhibition match at a county fair. For the past three years he has pursued the sport, always seeking new challenges to further his knowledge. Now he joins the coaching team at BladeFit where his background in teaching helps him break down the concepts to be understandable by students of any experience level.

Zane McBride

Zane has been competing in soft swords for 7 years. He recently placed 2nd in the 1st Annual Soft Combat Sports Youth Invitational. He competes in stick against adult competitors and is a fierce opponent. He is expanding to synthetics and steel currently. He has been on coaching staff for the past 3 years and is a fantastic instructor to the youth.

Michael Winderman

Maestro Winderman apprenticed under Fencing Masters Gary W. Williams and William Gruner. He was given the title of Maitre en Fait d'Armes (Fencing Master) after passing Master Adjudications and his final Master's Adjudication from Maestro F. Braun McAsh in 1998. A Founding Member of the Coeur d'Escrime Fencing Club and Charter Member of the International Order of the Sword and Pen, he has collaborated extensively on the historical roots of Filipino Martial Arts and their connection to Esgrima, the Original Systems of Fencing from Spain.

Draco Hinman

Draco began his martial journey in 2004 with foam fighting through Amtgard, where he first discovered the joy of fast-paced swordplay. In 2009, a trip to Pennsic War introduced him to SCA rapier, sparking a deeper study of historical fencing. By 2012, he expanded into formal training with both the Épée and Kendo clubs, blending historical and modern approaches to the sword. Today, Draco actively competes in Épée—where he holds a C rating—and occasionally in Sabre, with an E rating. His teaching emphasizes precision, adaptability, and the connection between historical practice and modern competitive fencing.

Contact and location

  • BladeFit Academy, 7588 Delaware Lane, Vancouver, WA 98684
  • Phone: (360) 207-0252
  • Email: lisa@bladefitacademy.com
  • Some youth classes meet outdoors at Leroy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver, WA

About BladeFit Academy

BladeFit Academy teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), swordsmanship, movement, and fitness to youth and adults in Vancouver, Washington.

BladeFit Academy, 7588 Delaware Lane, Vancouver, WA 98684. (360) 207-0252. lisa@bladefitacademy.com.

Content last updated 2026-07-30.